Rowntree is one of those cases that although classed as a serial killer, is on the bounds of a spree killer, or mass murderer. As he killed his four victims within the space of one week. Terrorizing Yorkshire at the same time as the Yorkshire Ripper, Rowntree was, so he claims fulfilling "An urge to kill".

31st December 1975, Rowntree's first attack was in Bingley posing as a policeman he knocked at the door of Mrs. Joyce Adamson fatally stabbing her through the heart, twice, after burying the weapon he then went for a drink in the local pub, his urge satisfied.

3rd January 1975, the urge came again, he brought a new knife, and attacked 16 year old Stephen Wilson who was waiting at a bus stop. Wilson did not die straight away, and while in hospital was able to give a description of his attacker. The description given was;- mid-twenties, shoulder length dark hair, black jacket, and carrying a shoulder bag.

7th January 1976 he killed a model he had became friendly with, at her house in Leeds, to make sure he was not identified he also killed her three year old son. After getting home from this attack police were waiting for him. He claimed his only regret was that his kill total had not reached five, the same as his hero "The Black Panther" (Donald Nielson).

June 1976, Rowntree was a know
Schizophrenic, at his trial at Leeds crown court he pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

The pleas was accepted, Rowntree was sentenced to serve, without time limit at Rampton
top Security Psychiatric unit. It is believed he is now held
at The Hutton Unit, a secure mental health facility based at
St. Luke's Hospital in Middlesbrough.